Mounting foot for light bar

ABSTRACT

A signaling system for mounting to an exterior surface of an emergency vehicle is provided. The signaling system includes a light bar and a pair of mounting feet. The light bar can include a plurality of signaling devices supported on and distributed along a base member and enclosed by a cover. The light bar can be secured to the mounting feet via a plurality of fasteners. The mounting feet can be connected to the emergency vehicle via roof straps. Each mounting foot can include a base, which can have a support portion, a contoured portion, and a pair of compartments; a pair of seals associated with each compartment; a pair of covers, which can be translucent, removably mounted to the base to enclose the compartments; and a roof strap secured to the base. Each compartment can house a signaling device, such as a lamp assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/809,664, filed Mar. 25, 2004, and entitled “Mounting FootFor Light Bar,” which in turn claims the benefit of priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/457,491, filed Mar. 25, 2003, andentitled “Mounting Foot for Light Bar,” which is incorporated in itsentirety herein by this reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains to signaling systems for emergency vehicles andmore particularly, is directed to warning light assemblies for mountingto emergency vehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Emergency vehicles such as police cars, ambulances, fire trucks, etc.typically have a signaling system including audio devices, such assirens or speakers, and visual indicators, such as warning lights. Onecommon type of warning light assembly for emergency vehicles is a lightbar. A light bar can include a plurality of lights that are enclosed ina common housing. Different types of lights, such as stationary, strobe,oscillating, and rotating lights, as well as a speaker or siren can bepackaged in a given light bar to provide a variety of differentsignaling options.

A light bar is typically mounted to a flat surface of the emergencyvehicle, such as a roof surface, for example, using bolts that extendthrough the light bar to the interior of the vehicle and that can besecured thereto via washers and nuts.

Current light bar designs commonly make use of multiple, stackedlighting levels. Through the use of different levels, warning lights,such as flashing, rotating, or strobe lights are disposed in a level oftheir own, while other auxiliary lighting, such as takedown lights,alley lights, and directional indicators are disposed in a separatelevel. Through the use of this multi-level approach, devices within onelevel do not adversely affect the visual performance of other levels.The minimum height of a light bar using this scheme is limited based onphysical limitations of the devices within each level and the stackingof each layer upon the other. Additionally, to reduce the conspicuity ofa vehicle while not involved in an emergency situation, it is desiredthat a light bar have as low a profile as possible. The use ofmulti-layered light bars limits the height to which a light bar can belowered while still maintaining adequate functionality.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a mounting foot for use with a light bar. Asignaling assembly can include a light bar and a pair of mounting feetin accordance with the present invention. The light bar can be securedto the mounting feet via a plurality of fasteners. The mounting feet canbe connected to a vehicle, such as an emergency vehicle, viaconventional methods, such as, roof straps. The mounting feet serve toattach and space the light bar off the roof of the vehicle whileproviding a platform for the mounting of components, such as, auxiliarylights, for example.

Each mounting foot can include a base, which can have a support portion,a contoured portion, and a pair of compartments; a pair of coversremovably mounted to the base to enclose the compartments; and a roofstrap secured to the base. A pair of seals can be associated with eachcompartment to seal the interior of the compartment. Each compartmentcan house a signaling device, such as a lamp assembly. Each cover can bemade from a translucent material to allow a lamp assembly housed withinthe respective compartment to emit light therethrough. Each mountingfoot can be disposed near the outer side edges of the roof. Thecontoured portion can be configured to substantially conform to thecrown in the roof of the emergency vehicle to allow the mounting foot tobe seated on the roof of the vehicle and to utilize more available spacefor the mounting of components, such as auxiliary lighting devices.

The invention allows for a reduction in the overall height of the lightbar while maintaining the advantages of a multi-layered light bar. Bymounting components, such as auxiliary lighting, within the light barmounting feet, the area between the light bar and the vehicle rooffulfills the function of an auxiliary signaling layer while allowing theoverall height of the light bar to be reduced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of an emergency vehicleequipped with a signaling assembly including a light bar and a pair ofmounting feet in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the signaling assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the signaling assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an end elevational view of the signaling assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the signaling assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of the signaling assembly ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the signaling assembly taken alongline 7-7 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged, fragmentary view of the signaling assembly takenfrom FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the signaling assembly taken alongline 9-9 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a first mounting foot of the signalingassembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the mounting foot of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of the mounting foot of FIG. 10

FIG. 13 is an outer end elevational view of the mounting foot of FIG.10.

FIG. 14 is an inner end elevational view of the mounting foot of FIG.10.

FIG. 15 is a bottom plan view of the mounting foot of FIG. 10.

FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of the mounting foot of FIG. 10.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting foot of FIG. 10 takenalong line 17-17 in FIG. 11.

FIG. 18 is a partially exploded view of the mounting foot of FIG. 10,shown with a first signaling device and a first cover exploded from amounting foot base and a second signaling device mounted to the base,with a second cover not shown for illustrative purposes.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the base of the mounting foot of FIG.10.

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the mounting foot base of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of the mounting foot base of FIG. 19.

FIG. 22 is an outer end elevational view of the mounting foot base ofFIG. 19.

FIG. 23 is an inner end elevational view of the mounting foot base ofFIG. 19.

FIG. 24 is a bottom plan view of the mounting foot base of FIG. 19.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting foot base taken alongline 25-25 in FIG. 20.

FIG. 26 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of the mountingfoot base taken from FIG. 19.

FIG. 27 is an enlarged, detail view taken from FIG. 20.

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting foot base taken alongline 28-28 in FIG. 20.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a first seal member of the mountingfoot of FIG. 10.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a second seal member of the mountingfoot of FIG. 10.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a signaling device of the mounting footof FIG. 10, the signaling device being in the form of a lamp assembly.

FIG. 32 is a top plan view of the lamp assembly of FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 is a side elevational view of the lamp assembly of FIG. 31.

FIG. 34 is a rear end elevational view of the lamp assembly of FIG. 31.

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the lamp assembly of FIG. 31 takenalong line 35-35 in FIG. 32.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a housing of the lamp assembly of FIG.31.

FIG. 37 is a side elevational view of the lamp housing FIG. 36.

FIG. 38 is a front end elevational view of the lamp housing of FIG. 36.

FIG. 39 is a bottom plan view of the lamp housing of FIG. 36.

FIG. 40 is a rear end elevational view of the lamp housing of FIG. 36.

FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view of the lamp housing of FIG. 36 takenalong line 41-41 in FIG. 38.

FIG. 42 is an enlarged, detail view taken from FIG. 41.

FIG. 43 is an enlarged, detail view taken from FIG. 41.

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of a light reflector of the lamp assemblyof FIG. 31.

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of a connector of the lamp assembly ofFIG. 31.

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a cap of the lamp assembly of FIG. 31,the cap having a pair of grommets.

FIG. 47 is a sectional elevation view of the cap of FIG. 46.

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of an o-ring of the lamp assembly of FIG.31.

FIG. 49 is a perspective view of a lens of the lamp assembly of FIG. 31.

FIG. 50 is a perspective view of a retainer ring of the lamp assembly ofFIG. 31.

FIG. 51 is a perspective view of the second cover of the mounting footof FIG. 10.

FIG. 52 is a top plan view of the cover of FIG. 51.

FIG. 53 is a rear elevational view of the cover of FIG. 51 viewed fromthe direction indicated by line 53-53 in FIG. 52.

FIG. 54 is an enlarged detail view taken from FIG. 53.

FIG. 55 is a second elevational view of the cover of FIG. 51.

FIG. 56 is a third elevational view of the cover of FIG. 51.

FIG. 57 is a bottom plan view of the cover of FIG. 51.

FIG. 58 is a bottom perspective view of the cover of FIG. 51.

FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional view of the cover of FIG. 51 taken alongline 59-59 in FIG. 52.

FIG. 60 is a perspective view of a connecting bracket of the mountingfoot of FIG. 10.

FIG. 61 is a side elevational view of the connecting bracket of FIG. 60.

FIG. 62 is an end elevational view of the connecting bracket of FIG. 60.

FIG. 63 is an exploded view of another embodiment of a light barsuitable for use in the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring now more particularly to FIG. 1 of the drawings, anillustrative signaling assembly 100 having a light bar 100 and a pair oflight bar mounting feet or brackets 120, 122 in accordance with thepresent invention is shown installed on a vehicle 130. While the presentinvention is described in connection with an exemplary police car, thepresent invention is not limited to any particular type of vehicle. Onthe contrary, the present invention could be employed in any context inwhich it is desirable to be able to mount a light bar.

Referring to FIGS. 2-9, the signaling assembly 100 is shown. Themounting feet 120, 122 are attached to the light bar 110 via a pluralityof fasteners, such as, screws, bolts, and the like. Referring to FIG. 3,the mounting feet 120, 122 serve to attach and space a base 140 of thelight bar 110 off the roof of the vehicle while providing a platform forthe mounting of components, such as, auxiliary or warning lights, forexample. The mounting feet 120, 122 are substantially identical to eachother. Each mounting foot 120, 122 includes a substantially planarsupport portion 150 upon which the base 140 of the light bar 110 can beplaced in contacting engagement. Fasteners can extend through thesupport portion 150 of each mounting foot 120, 122 and through the base140 of the light bar 110 to secure the light bar 110 to the mountingfeet 120, 122.

Referring to FIG. 4, attachment to the vehicle can be accomplishedthrough conventional means, for example, through the use of hooks orfasteners through the mounting feet into the vehicle roof. In FIG. 4,the first mounting foot 120 includes a connecting bracket or roof strap160 secured thereto by a fastener 162. Referring to FIG. 5, eachfastener 162 can be secured to the respective mounting foot 120, 122 byextending through a transversely extending attachment rib 164. Thesupport portion 150 of each mounting foot 120, 122 includes a pluralityof holes 170 therein for receiving a respective fastener to attach thebase 140 of the light bar 110 to the mounting feet 120, 122.

Referring to FIGS. 10-18, the first mounting foot 120 is shown. It willbe understood that the description of the first mounting foot 120 isapplicable to the second mounting foot 122, as well. Referring to FIGS.10 and 18, outer corners 180, 181 of the mounting foot 120 can eachinclude a respective compartment 184, 185 for receiving therein one ormore electrical components, such as a lighting device, for example. Arespective cover 188, 189 encloses each compartment 184, 185. The covers188, 189 can be produced from a transparent material or an opaquematerial, for example. In the illustrative embodiment, the first cover188 is translucent, being blue, and the second cover 189 is opaque. Inother embodiments, the cover can be constructed from a different coloredmaterial or a clear material, for example. Constructing the cover froman opaque material can be desired, for example, in embodiments where theparticular compartment does not house a lighting device.

Referring to FIG. 11, the first and second covers 188, 189 are securedto a base 200 of the mounting foot 120 via a plurality of fasteners 202,such as screws, for instance. Referring to FIG. 12, the connectingbracket 160 extends from an outer end 210 of the mounting foot 120. Thesupporting portion 150 of the mounting foot 120 is disposed at an innerend 212 of the mounting foot 120. Referring to FIG. 13, the base 200includes a curved cutout 218 for accommodating the connecting bracket160 to allow the connecting bracket 160 to extend from the outer end 210of the mounting foot 120.

Referring to FIGS. 14-16, the mounting foot 120 includes a pair of seals230, 231 for each compartment 184, 185 thereof. The first and secondseals 130, 131 can cooperate with the covers 188, 189 to respectivelyseal the interior of each compartment 184, 185 and to provide a sealbetween the mounting foot 120 and the vehicle. Referring to FIG. 18, twosignaling devices in the form of lamp assemblies 250, 252 can beattached to the mounting foot 120. These lamp assemblies are capable ofbeing adjusted over a horizontal angle 254 of about 110 degrees and thenlocked in position through the use of a screw, for example. The lampassembly 252 can also be moved over a vertical angle 256 of about 10degrees, measured between a point substantially parallel to the primaryplane of the mounting foot and a point downward therefrom.

In other embodiments, the use of colored lighting that serves asecondary warning function could also be used. The invention is also notlimited to the use of the described signaling device. LED or discharge(strobe) sources along with their associated lenses or reflectors couldalso be employed, for example. The signaling device can have a visualsignaling feature and/or an aural signaling feature.

Referring to FIGS. 19-28, the base 200 of the mounting foot is shown.Referring to FIG. 19, the base 200 includes the support portion 150, acontoured portion 260, and the first and second compartments 184, 185.The contoured portion 260 extends between the supporting portion 150 andthe compartments 184, 185. The contoured portion 260 is configured todispose the compartments 184, 185 in predetermined, spaced relationshipwith the supporting portion 150 and with each other.

Referring to FIG. 26, the second compartment 185 is shown. The firstcompartment is substantially a mirror image of the second compartment184. The second compartment includes a pair of cover mounts 280, 281that extend from a sidewall 284 and a bottom 286 of the compartment 185.The sidewall 284 and the bottom 286 meet at an edge 288 that is curved.The compartment 185 includes an opening 292, disposed substantially atthe edge 288, for allowing electrical wires, for example, to extendtherethrough. The compartment 185 includes a signaling device mountingsystem 296 which includes a plurality of mounting points for allowingthe signaling device to be pivotally connected to the base 200 such thatthe signaling device can rotate about at least two axis.

The mounting system includes a mounting dimple 298 having an opening 300therethrough. The mounting dimple 298 presents a convex surface 302 tothe bottom 286 of the compartment 185. The surface 302 can be configuredto substantially conform to a housing of the signaling device. Thesignaling device can pivot both horizontally and vertically with respectto the base 200 of the mounting foot about the mounting dimple 298. Themounting system 296 can include a curved slot 306, a mounting boss 308,and a pair of lands 310, 311. The mounting dimple 298 can be disposedwithin a recess 314.

Referring to FIG. 29, the first seal 230 can include a plurality ofcutouts and openings to substantially conform to the interior of thecompartment of the mounting foot in which it is disposed. The first seal230 can be made from any suitable material. Referring to FIG. 30, thesecond seal 231 is shown. The second seal 231 can be configured tosubstantially conform to the perimeter of the compartment with which itis associated. The second seal 231 can be made from the same material asthe first seal or from a different material.

Referring to FIGS. 31-35, an illustrative signaling device 350 is shown.The signaling device 350 shown in FIGS. 31-35 is the same as the firstand second signaling devices 250, 252 shown in FIG. 18. The signalingdevice 350 is in the form of a lamp assembly. The lamp assembly 350includes a housing 352, a light source 354, a connector 356, a cap 358,an o-ring 360, a lens 362, and a retainer ring 364.

Referring to FIGS. 36-43, the lamp housing 352 is shown. The lamphousing 352 includes a generally concave recess 370 disposed at a bottom372 thereof. Referring to FIG. 43, the recess 370 has a boss 374extending therefrom. The boss 374 includes an opening 376 extendingtherethrough. Referring to FIG. 39, the lamp housing 352 includes a pairof fins 380, 381 each having an elongated slot 384 and an opening 386.Referring to FIG. 41, the lamp housing 352 is generally hollow. Theconcave recess 370 can be operably arranged with one of the mountingdimples 298 of the base 200 of one of the mounting feet, such as themounting dimple 298 shown in FIG. 28.

Referring to FIG. 42, the lamp housing 352 includes a groove 390extending around a perimeter 392 of a front opening 394. The groove 390is configured to accommodate the retainer ring such that the retainerring can be disposed within the groove 390 with a portion of theretainer ring extending into the front opening 394 from the groove 390around the perimeter 392. With the retainer ring disposed in the groove390, the retainer ring can act to retain the lens, the o-ring, and aportion of the light reflector between the retainer ring and a shoulder396 of the housing 352.

As illustrated in FIG. 44, the light source 354 is molded with a lightbulb receptacle 400 for receiving a light bulb 402, which can beintegrally molded together. In the illustrated embodiment, thereceptacle 400 is formed to receive and retain two connection pins 404,405, which form electrical connection with the light bulb 402. Referringto FIG. 45, the connector 356 includes wires 410, 411 for supplyingelectrical power to the light bulb. The wires 410, 411 can be connectedto the pins via push-on connectors, for example. Referring to FIGS. 46and 47, the cap 358 is generally hollow and is provided to encircle theconnector. The cap 358 includes a pair of grommets 314, 315 toaccommodate the wires of the connector. The cap 358 can be constructedfrom a material, such as rubber, for example, to provide a seal aroundthe wires of the connector. The cap 358 can be sized such that the capis retained around the connector via a friction fit. In otherembodiments, different lights sources can be used, such as one or moreLEDs, for example.

Referring to FIG. 48, the o-ring 360 is shown. The o-ring 360 can bemade from any suitable material, such as, any suitable elastomer, forexample. In some embodiments, the o-ring 360 can be made from silicone.Referring to FIG. 49, the lens 362 is shown. The lens 362 can be madefrom any suitable translucent or transparent material, such asborosilicate glass, for example. The lens 362 can be clear or becolored. Referring to FIG. 50, the retainer ring 364 is shown. Theretainer ring 364 is the shape of an annulus with a portion removedtherefrom. The retainer ring can be constructed from any suitableresiliently flexible material, such as metal for instance. The cutoutportion of the retainer ring 364 allows the retainer ring to be flexedto reduce the size of an outer perimeter 420 thereof to allow theretainer ring to fit through the front opening of the lamp housing. Theresiliently flexible nature of the retainer ring 364 allows the retainerring to return to its original shape once the retainer ring 364 isaligned with the groove of the lamp housing.

Referring to FIGS. 51-59, the second cover 189 of the mounting foot isshown. The second cover 189 is a mirror image of the first cover 188shown in FIG. 10. The second cover 189 is opaque whereas the first cover188 is translucent. It will be understood that the second cover issimilar to the first cover in other respects. As such, the descriptionof the second cover 189 is applicable to the first cover 188 as well.Turning to FIG. 52, the cover 189 is shaped to substantially conform tothe perimeter of the second compartment of the mounting foot to therebyenclose the compartment. The second cover 189 includes a pair ofmounting holes 430, 431 which are arranged such that the mounting holes430, 431 can be substantially aligned with the first and second covermounts 280, 281 of the mounting foot base 200, shown in FIG. 26.

Referring to FIG. 59, the first mounting hole 430 of the cover 189 isshown. The second mounting hole of the cover 189 is substantiallysimilar to the first mounting hole 430. The first mounting hole includesa counterbore 436 and an opening 438 extending through a base 440 of thecounterbore 436.

Referring to FIG. 54, the cover 189 includes a notch 444 in a rear endwall 446. When the cover 189 is mounted over the second compartment 185of the mounting foot, the notch 444 is substantially aligned with theopening 292 of the compartment 185, as shown in FIG. 26. Referring toFIGS. 56 and 57, the cover 189 includes a dome portion 450. Referring toFIG. 58, the cover 189 includes a lip 452 which can extend about aperimeter 454 of the second compartment 185, as shown in FIG. 15. Atleast a portion of the lip 452 can overlap the perimeter 454.

In some embodiments, the cover can be what is sometimes referred to as a“hot mirror” wherein the cover allows visible light to pass through itbut reflects back inwardly infrared light so as to diminish the amountof heat transferred outwardly. With such a cover, it can be possible tolocate a lamp housed within it closer to materials which would otherwisebe susceptible to melting and/or damage from heat.

Referring to FIGS. 60-62, the connecting bracket or roof strap 160 isshown. The roof strap 160 can be made from cold-rolled steel, forexample, and provided for securing each of the mounting feet to the roofof the vehicle 130, as shown in FIG. 1. A first end 460 of the strap 160can be secured under a rain gutter of the vehicle and a second end 461of the strap 160 can be secured to the respective mounting foot by wayof a bolt 458, for example, through the roof strap 160 and the strapmounting hole 470 of the mounting foot 120, as shown in FIG. 17.

Referring to FIG. 63, another embodiment of a light bar 810 is shown.The light bar 810 can be substantially similar to the light bar shownand described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,884,997 to Stanuch et al., which issuedon Mar. 23, 1999. In other embodiments of the signaling assembly, thelight bar can be similar to the light bar shown and described in U.S.Pat. No. RE36,245 to Stanuch et al., which issued on Jul. 6, 1999. Inyet other embodiments, the signaling assembly can include a light barcommercially available from Federal Signal of Oak Brook, Ill., such asone form the group including multi-level light bars, such as thosemarketed under the trade names VISTA Strobe, VISTA Halogen, and CUDASpectre™, v-shaped light bars, such as those marketed under the tradenames Premium Vision®, Smart Vector®, and Vector®; and single-levellight bars, such as those marketed under the trade names Jetstream,JetStrobe Plus, Arjent™, Raydian™, and StreetHawk®, for example.

The light bar 810 shown in FIG. 63 is a multi-level light bar and has ahousing 822 with a generally elliptical shape and a plurality of lightsdisposed inside the housing. The light bar 810 can be mounted on theemergency vehicle by means of the mounting feet, with the lengthwisedirection of the light bar transverse to the forward direction of thevehicle.

In the illustrated embodiment, the light bar 810 has three sections,including a left side section 826, a right side section 828, and acenter section 830. Another center section can be added to the light barto allow incorporation of more lights in the light bar. Each section ofthe housing has a set of interfitting upper and lower shells which forma closed container. Thus, the housing includes upper shells 832, 834,836, and the corresponding lower shells 838, 840, 842. The upper shellsjoin the respective lower shells at a seam which surrounds the lightbar. The lights in the light bar 810 are arranged in two tiers, oneabove the seam and one below the seam, to provide a variety of warningfunctions.

The upper and lower shells of each section interfit to form asubstantially sealed container for protecting light fixtures mountedtherein from the elements in the environment. The shells are preferablymolded of a substantially transparent, high-impact plastic material,such as polycarbonate, for example, and are preferably clear, althoughthey may be colored, or certain portions of the shells may be madeopaque to prevent light emission in certain selected directions.

FIG. 63 shows the basic structural components of the light bar 810without the lights mounted therein. As illustrated, the housing includesthree sections 828, 830, 826 with upper shells 832, 834, 836 and lowershells 838, 840, 842, respectively. The lower shells 838, 840, 842 ofthe three sections are rigidly secured to a structural support memberfor structural support. In the illustrated embodiment, the structuralsupport is an extruded beam 844 which has a length shorter than theoverall length of the light bar. The beam 844 can be made from anysuitable metal, such as, aluminum, for example. The structural rigidityof the light bar is further enhanced by the use of interlocking ribs 846disposed on the opposing sides of adjacent lower shells.

The light bar can have a modular construction which is achieved by theuse of trays with cells for mounting lights. As illustrated in FIG. 63,the side sections 826, 828 have side trays 850, 848, respectively,disposed therein in the recesses of the lower shells 838, 842 around theends of the beam 844. The center section 830 has a front tray 852 and arear tray 854 disposed in the recesses in the lower center shell 840 onthe two sides of the beam 844. The trays are preferably molded ofplastic.

The trays 848, 852, 854, 850 are attached to the respective lower shells838, 840, 842. Each tray 848, 852, 854, 850 can include a plurality ofvertical dividers which define an associated plurality of light cells(indicated by arrows in FIG. 63) for receiving standardized lightfixture components, for example. The thickness of the trays is such thatthe tops 856, 858, 860, 862 of the trays when mounted in the lowershells have a height that substantially matches that of the seam of thehousing. The tops of the trays separate a lower tier of lights which isbelow the seam from an upper tier of lights above the seam. The tops ofthe trays also provide a platform for mounting lights on the upper tier.

All references, including publications, patent applications, andpatents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the sameextent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicatedto be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entiretyherein.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in thecontext of describing the invention (especially in the context of thefollowing claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted bycontext. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing”are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, butnot limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of valuesherein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referringindividually to each separate value falling within the range, unlessotherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated intothe specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methodsdescribed herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwiseindicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The useof any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”)provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the inventionand does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unlessotherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construedas indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice ofthe invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, includingthe best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention.Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Theinventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations asappropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practicedotherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, thisinvention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subjectmatter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicablelaw. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in allpossible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unlessotherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

1. A signaling system for mounting to an exterior surface of anemergency vehicle, the signaling system comprising: a light bar unitincluding an outer housing arrangement enclosing a plurality ofsignaling devices; and a pair of mounting feet that are separate piecesfrom the light bar unit, the mounting feet secured to the light barunit, the mounting feet secured to the vehicle, each mounting footincluding an outer end, the outer ends of the mounting feet facing awayfrom each other, each mounting foot including a base, each base having atop side including a support portion and an opposite bottom side, eachbase also including a recess, the support portions of the mounting feetsupporting the light bar unit and the recesses disposed adjacent theouter ends of the mounting feet, the recesses being located outside theouter housing arrangement of the light bar unit and being defined bysides walls and signaling device mounting surfaces of the mounting feet,the signaling device mounting surfaces being positioned lower than thesupport portions of the mounting feet; and signaling devices mounted atthe signaling device mounting surfaces, the signaling devices beinglocated outside the outer housing arrangement of the light bar unit andbeing located at least partially within the recesses.
 2. A mounting footfor mounting a light bar to an exterior surface of a vehicle, themounting foot comprising: a base, the base having a top side including alight bar mounting surface for supporting the light bar and a bottomside adapted to face toward the exterior surface of the vehicle when thebase is secured to the vehicle, the base also having an outer end, aninner end, a front side and a back side; the outer end of the basedefining first and second separate recesses, the first recess beingdisposed adjacent the front side of the base and being defined by aforwardly facing surface of the base, a first outwardly facing surfaceof the base and a first upwardly facing surface of the base, the secondrecess being disposed adjacent the back side of the base and beingdefined by a backwardly facing surface of the base, a second outwardlyfacing surface of the base and a second upwardly facing surface of thebase; a vehicle connector disposed adjacent the outer end of the basefor connecting the mounting foot to the vehicle, the vehicle connectorsecured to the base; and first and second signaling devices mounted tothe base, at least portions of the first and second signaling devicesbeing located lower than the light bar mounting surface, the firstsignaling device being mounted on the first upwardly facing surface ofthe base and being disposed at least partially within the first recessand the second signaling device being mounted on the second upwardlyfacing surface of the base and being disposed at least partially in thesecond recess.
 3. A signaling system for mounting to an exterior surfaceof a vehicle, the signaling system comprising: a light bar unitcomprising a plurality of signaling devices enclosed within an outerlight bar housing arrangement; a mounting foot for mounting the lightbar unit to the exterior surface of the vehicle, the mounting foothaving a generally planar upper light bar mounting surface supportingthe light bar unit; a signaling device mounted to the mounting foot at alocation outside the outer light bar housing arrangement; and whereinthe mounting foot comprises a first mounting foot, and wherein thesignaling system further comprises: a second mounting foot, the firstand second mounting feet connected to the light bar unit such that themounting feet are respectively disposed adjacent opposite first andsecond ends thereof.
 4. A signaling system for mounting to an exteriorsurface of a vehicle, the signaling system comprising: a light bar unitcomprising a plurality of signaling devices enclosed within an outerlight bar housing arrangement; a mounting foot for mounting the lightbar unit to the exterior surface of the vehicle, the mounting foothaving a generally planar upper light bar mounting surface supportingthe light bar unit; a signaling device mounted to the mounting foot at alocation outside the outer light bar housing arrangement; and a vehicleconnector for connecting the mounting foot to the vehicle, the vehicleconnector secured to the mounting foot.
 5. A signaling system formounting to an exterior surface of a vehicle, the signaling systemcomprising: a light bar unit comprising a plurality of signaling devicesenclosed within an outer light bar housing arrangement; a mounting footfor mounting the light bar unit to the exterior surface of the vehicle,the mounting foot having a generally planar upper light bar mountingsurface supporting the light bar unit; a signaling device mounted to themounting foot at a location outside the outer light bar housingarrangement; and wherein the light bar unit is secured to the light barmounting surface of the mounting foot via a plurality of fasteners.
 6. Asignaling system for mounting to an exterior surface of a vehicle, thesignaling system comprising: a light bar unit comprising a plurality ofsignaling devices enclosed within an outer light bar housingarrangement; a mounting foot for mounting the light bar unit to theexterior surface of the vehicle, the mounting foot having a generallyplanar upper light bar mounting surface supporting the light bar unit; asignaling device mounted to the mounting foot at a location outside theouter light bar housing arrangement; and wherein the signaling devicemounted to the mounting foot comprises a first signaling device, andwherein the signaling system further comprises: a second signalingdevice mounted to the mounting foot.
 7. The signaling system accordingto claim 6 wherein the mounting foot includes first and second sidewallsand first and second signaling device mounting surfaces, the sidewallsrespectively cooperating with the first and second signaling devicemounting surfaces to define a first recess and a second recess, thefirst and second signaling devices disposed in the first and secondrecesses, respectively.
 8. The signaling system according to claim 7wherein the mounting foot includes an outer end, the outer end includingfirst and second corners, the first and second recesses respectivelydisposed at the first and second corners of the outer end thereof.
 9. Asignaling system for mounting to an exterior surface of a vehicle, thesignaling system comprising: a light bar unit comprising a plurality ofsignaling devices enclosed within an outer light bar housingarrangement; a mounting foot for mounting the light bar unit to theexterior surface of the vehicle, the mounting foot having a generallyplanar upper light bar mounting surface supporting the light bar unit; asignaling device mounted to the mounting foot at a location outside theouter light bar housing arrangement; and wherein the light bar unitcomprises a single level light bar unit.
 10. A signaling system formounting to an exterior surface of a vehicle, the signaling systemcomprising: a light bar unit comprising a plurality of signaling devicesenclosed within an outer light bar housing arrangement; a mounting footfor mounting the light bar unit to the exterior surface of the vehicle,the mounting foot having a generally planar upper light bar mountingsurface supporting the light bar unit; a signaling device mounted to themounting foot at a location outside the outer light bar housingarrangement; and wherein the light bar unit comprises a multi-levellight bar unit.
 11. A mounting foot for mounting a light bar to a roofof a vehicle, the mounting foot comprising: a mounting foot baseincluding a top side positioned opposite from a bottom side, a frontside positioned opposite from a back side and an inner end positionedopposite from an outer end, the front and back sides having lengths thatextend between the inner and outer ends and heights that extend betweenthe top and bottom sides, the top side including a light bar mountingsurface and a plurality of light bar fastener openings that extenddownwardly through the light bar mounting surface, the mounting footbase also including a front signaling device mounting surface positionedat a front, outer corner of the mounting foot base and a back signalingdevice mounting surface positioned at a back, outer corner of themounting foot base, the front signaling device mounting surface and theback signaling device mounting surface being positioned lower than thelight bar mounting surface, the outer end of the mounting foot basedefining a cutout located between the front and back signaling devicemounting surfaces, an inner portion of the cutout being defined by atransverse rib that extends in a front-to-back direction; a connectingbracket for connecting the mounting foot base to the vehicle, theconnecting bracket being positioned at least partially within thecutout, the connecting bracket being secured to the mounting foot baseby a fastener that extends through an opening defined by the transverserib; a front signaling device mounted at the front signaling devicemounting surface, at least a portion of the front signaling device beinglower than the light bar mounting surface; and a back signaling devicemounted at the back signaling device mounting surface, at least aportion of the back signaling device being lower than the light barmounting surface.
 12. The mounting foot of claim 11, wherein themounting foot base defines a front recess in which at least a portion ofthe front signaling device is positioned, the front recess having anopen top side, an open front side and an open outer side, and whereinthe mounting foot base also includes a back recess in which at least aportion of the back signaling device is positioned, the back recessincluding an open top side, an open outer side and an open back side.13. The mounting foot of claim 12, further comprising a front cover forenclosing the front recess and a back cover for enclosing the backrecess.
 14. The mounting foot of claim 11, wherein the front signalingdevice is mountable in a first position in which the front signalingdevice directs light generally in a forward direction and in a secondposition in which the front signaling device directs light generally inan outward direction, and wherein the back signaling device is mountablein a first position in which the back signaling device directs lightgenerally in a rearward direction and in a second position in which theback signaling device directs light generally in an outward direction.15. The mounting foot of claim 11, wherein the mounting foot baseincludes a main body, wherein the inner end of the mounting foot baseincludes front and back arms that project inwardly from the main body,the front and back arms being separated by an open space.
 16. Asignaling system for mounting to a roof of a vehicle, the signalingsystem comprising: a light bar unit comprising a plurality of signalingdevices enclosed within an outer housing arrangement; a first mountingfoot for mounting the light bar unit to the roof of the vehicle, thefirst mounting foot having a top side including a first support surfaceon which the light bar unit is supported, the first mounting foot alsoincluding a bottom side that faces toward the roof of the vehicle whenthe signaling system is mounted to the roof of the vehicle; a secondmounting foot for mounting the light bar unit to the roof of thevehicle, the second mounting foot having a top side including a secondsupport surface at which the light bar unit is supported, the secondmounting foot also including a bottom side that faces toward the roof ofthe vehicle when the signaling system is mounted to the roof of thevehicle; the first and second mounting feet having inner ends that faceinwardly toward each other and outer ends that face outwardly away fromeach other; and a first signaling device mounted to the first mountingfoot, the first signaling device including at least a portion locatedlower than the first support surface, the first signaling device notbeing enclosed within the outer housing arrangement of the light barunit.
 17. The signaling system of claim 16, further comprising a secondsignaling device mounted to the second mounting foot, the secondsignaling device including at least a portion located lower than thesecond support surface, the second signaling device not being enclosedwithin the outer housing arrangement of the light bar unit.
 18. Thesignaling system of claim 16, further comprising a third signalingdevice mounted to the first mounting foot, the third signaling deviceincluding at least a portion located lower than the first supportsurface, the third signaling device not being enclosed within the outerhousing arrangement of the light bar unit, and the signaling systemfurther comprising a fourth signaling device mounted to the secondmounting foot, the second signaling device including at least a portionlocated lower than the second support surface, the fourth signalingdevice not being enclosed within the outer housing arrangement of thelight bar unit.
 19. The signaling system of claim 18, wherein the outerend of the first mounting foot base defines a cutout located between thefirst and third signaling devices, and wherein a connecting bracket forconnecting the first mounting foot to the vehicle is positioned at leastpartially within the cutout.
 20. The signaling system of claim 16,wherein the first mounting foot defines a recess in which at least aportion of the first signaling device is positioned, the recess havingan open top side, an open first side facing in a first direction and anopen second side facing in a second direction, the second directionbeing generally perpendicular to the first direction.
 21. The signalingsystem of claim 16, wherein the first signaling device is mountable in afirst position in which the signaling device directs light in a firstdirection and in a second position in which the signaling device directslight in a second direction, the first direction being angled relativeto the second direction.